Why can't I console into my Cisco switch and router?

Question

I would like to configure my Cisco switch and router. The switch that I have is a Cisco Catalyst 1900. The router that I have is a Cisco 2501. I also have a Cisco PIX Firewall. I am using the Rollover cable. I connect one end of the rollover cable to the Console port on the Cisco device, and the other end into an RJ45 to DB-9 adapter. Then, I plug that adapter into the serial port on my computer. There is only 1 serial port on my computer, and it is attached to the motherboard (onboard). When I open HyperTerminal on my computer, all I see is a blinking cursor. I tried pressing enter a few times, but that didn't do anything. I know that the serial port on my computer works because I see it listed in the Device Manager, as Communications Port (COM1). I tried to console into the Cisco equipment on another computer, but that didn't work either. I tried consoling into 3 different Cisco devices, but nothing is working. I know that the Rollover cable is the right one because the pins are opposite, on both ends of the cable. What can I do to fix this problem that I am having?

Answer 1

Just because you see a serial port in device manager does *not* mean it is working. Does this port work with anything you've ever plugged into it? You said you tried 3 routers... what are the odds that all 3 are broken?



You did make sure to set the comm port settings properly to Cisco specs, right?

Answer 2

The service section makes use of a few Cisco equipment yet as quickly as you start up finding in the broadband section, that's now no longer Cisco. in the previous couple of years, AT&T switched to the CRS-a million platform for the backbone for the service section going forward.

Answer 3

download packet tracer 5 and practice there first .. and apply in a real world,

wrong hyper terminal setting..be careful connecting rollover cable, sometimes it will sparks and you will

not be able to use console port coz its damage.